Which statement describes the scope of practice for school counselors?

• A. No expectation to engage in diagnosis or long-term therapy
• B. They should diagnose mental health disorders and provide long-term therapy
• C. They should perform medical exams
• D. They should write prescriptions for medications

Answer: (A)

School counselors focus on supporting student success through guidance, prevention, crisis intervention, and referrals, rather than diagnosing mental health conditions or delivering long-term therapy. In a school setting, they observe student needs, provide brief, solution-focused support for immediate concerns, help students develop coping skills, and coordinate with families and teachers to connect students with appropriate outside services. Diagnosing mental health disorders and providing ongoing, long-term therapy require specialized training and licensure beyond the school counselor role, and medical exams and prescription of medications are outside their professional scope. This is why the statement that they do not have an expectation to diagnose or provide long-term therapy best describes their scope of practice.